Method of making an improved security identification document including contactless communication insert unit

ABSTRACT

A method of making an improved security identification document includes the steps of forming a contactless communication insert unit by electrically connecting an integrated circuit including a microprocessor, a controller, a memory unit, a radio frequency input/output device and an antenna; disposing the contactless communication insert unit on a substrate and laminated to form a laminated substrate; supplying a first sheet of base material; supplying a second sheet of base material; disposing the second sheet of base material on top of the first sheet of base material and inserting the laminated substrate including the contactless communication insert unit between the first and second sheets of base material; and joining a third sheet of base material to the first and second sheets of base material having the laminated substrate disposed therebetween, the third sheet of base material containing printed text data located so as to be readable by humans.

This application is a regular utility patent application claimingpriority of Provisional Patent Application 60/028,351 filed on Oct. 15,1996, now pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved security identificationdocument for use in a wide variety of identification and securitysystems and a method of making the improved security document.Furthermore, the present invention relates to an improved securityaccess and authorization system using the improved securityidentification documents. As part of the improved security access andauthorization system, an improved method for verifying andauthenticating biometrics data is provided. In addition, the presentinvention relates to an improved airport security system including anautomated personal identification and verification security systemincluding an improved security document generating system, an improvedluggage handling and identification system, a system and method ofmatching a person with one or more of (1) a personal identificationdocument, (2) a personal object or luggage identification document and(3) a travel authorization document; and the present invention alsorelates to an improved security identification document in the form of apersonal identification document such as a passport, visa, driver'slicense, a frequent traveler's card, a worker's identification card, asocial security card, a healthcare card, land title document, ATM card,credit card, phone card, welfare recipient card, green card, gun permitand registration card, an object or luggage identification document or atravel authorization document and a method of making such improvedsecurity identification documents.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional security systems are heavily dependent upon the type ofpersonal identification cards and the degree of difficulty of forging oraltering such documents. Most conventional personal identification cardscontain a photograph attached to a substrate and alphanumeric data whichis printed on the substrate and/or stored in a magnetic strip providedon the card. These conventional personal identification cards arerelatively easy to forge and alter and there is no reliable mechanismfor detecting such forgery or alteration.

In addition, several conventional security systems rely on securitypersonnel to attempt to verify a person's identity by comparing aperson's appearance with a photograph on an identification document.Such a system is time consuming and is subject to human error.

Several security systems for identifying persons and matching a personto one or more of a conventional personal identification document, atravel authorization document or boarding pass, and a luggage orpersonal object identification document, are known and in use today. Theconventional personal identification documents may include a driver'slicense or passport containing a photograph and written personalinformation such as name, address, height, weight, date of birth, socialsecurity number and other information. Some of the alphanumeric data maybe stored in a magnetic strip on the personal identification document soas to be capable of being read by a conventional magnetic data reader.

The conventional object or luggage identification document usuallycomprises a ticket having data such as flight number, the name of thedestination airport and departure airport and may include bar code dataor other data capable of being optically or magnetically scanned foridentifying an owner of the luggage and the desired destination of theluggage.

The conventional travel authorization documents usually comprise aboarding pass or ticket issued in response to the passenger providing aticket agent with a purchased ticket and showing the ticket agent aconventional personal identification document. The conventional travelauthorization document may also include alphanumeric data which ismagnetically stored and readable or alphanumeric data that is readableusing an optical scanning device.

These conventional identification documents are used in conventionalsecurity systems as follows. A passenger having a ticket for authorizedtravel will enter the airport and may have luggage or other personalobjects scanned by an X-ray machine and/or metal detectors to check forexplosive devices or other forbidden objects such as guns or knives.This luggage may include luggage to be checked and stored in the cargoarea of an airplane and "carry-on" luggage which is to be carried ontothe airplane by the passenger. After passing the luggage through theX-ray machine and/or metal detector, the passenger gives the luggage tobe checked and stored in the cargo area of the airplane to a ticketagent along with a passenger ticket for authorized travel.

The ticket agent usually requests that the passenger present aconventional photo identification document if traveling domestically anda passport if the passenger is traveling internationally. The ticketagent visually matches the name on the passenger ticket with the name onthe driver's license or passport and confirms that the photograph on thephoto identification document is the person presenting the ticket fortravel. The ticket agent then issues a boarding pass containing thepassenger name, flight information, departure gate, seat assignment andother alphanumeric information which may be typed and/or magneticallystored on the boarding pass.

The ticket agent also generates a luggage identification tag or ticketfor the checked luggage to be sent to the cargo area of the airplane.The luggage identification tag usually comprises a two part ticket,wherein one part of the ticket is attached to the luggage and the otherpart of the ticket is given to the passenger for identification andretrieval of the checked luggage at the arrival airport.

This system leads to many problems. The name on the passenger ticket caneasily be forged especially given the fact that a passenger can providean airline with any false name at the time of purchasing a ticket.Similarly, a driver's license, passport or other personal identificationdocument can easily be forged. Furthermore, the ticket agent may make ahuman error or even forget to match the ticket, personal identificationdocument and person requesting access to the boarding area.

After the passenger has checked the luggage to be carried in the cargoarea of the airplane and has received a boarding pass from the ticketagent, the passenger then proceeds to the boarding area with anycarry-on luggage. Before entering the boarding area, the traveler may berequired to pass through another X-ray machine and/or metal detector andmay also be required to show a boarding pass to gain access to theboarding area. Because the boarding pass may not be compared to thepersonal identification document during this second inspection, it ispossible that the person who checked in with the ticket agent could givethe boarding pass to another person and therefore, another person withno identification or forged identification may gain access to theboarding area and airplane. Also, it is possible that the person whoprovided the ticket agent with checked baggage to be sent to the cargoarea of an airplane never attempt to enter the boarding area but insteadonly desires to have the checked luggage placed on the airplane. Thismay be an effective way for a terrorist to place a bomb on a plane.

After a passenger enters the boarding area, the passenger is usuallyonly required to show the gate attendant or boarding attendant aboarding pass to gain access and entry to the airplane. Even if thepassenger is required to again show personal identification, thepassenger can show a forged personal identification document asdescribed above.

After the passenger reaches a destination, there is no clear way ofmaking sure that all passengers have left the airplane and are notawaiting a subsequent flight as a stowaway. Also, it is quite commonthat a thief may pose as an arriving passenger having a forged baggageclaim ticket and steal a passenger's luggage. This type of occurrence isnot prevented using the conventional identification documents andairport security system.

Other disadvantages with conventional security and luggage handlingsystems are also evident. The automatic luggage handling systems rely onrelatively slow optical scanning technology which is not always reliableand slows down the luggage distribution and loading process. Because ofthe slow luggage identification systems, it is difficult to reconcilechecked bags with boarded passengers to make sure that all passengerswho check luggage have boarded the plane because of the relatively shorttime from check-in to boarding.

Also, under the current system, checked bags are usually loaded onto anairplane and then must be unloaded if the passenger or owner of thechecked baggage does not board the airplane. This is a problem becausethe luggage is actually placed on the airplane for a period of timeduring which a bomb could explode or the luggage may not be identifiedand removed in time before the airplane leaves the airport.

In general, when efforts have been made to enhance the security andreliability of conventional identification documents and systems relyingon such documents for maintaining security, increased costs, timeconsumption and security personnel have been required withoutsuccessfully obtaining a highly reliable security system and preventingmany of the problems with forgery and tampering with securityidentification documents and breaching of conventional security systems.

Furthermore, although multi-application data cards such as smart cardsare known, these cards cannot be adapted to be used a personalidentification card or to include personal identification data becauseof the ease of forging and/or tampering with the data stored on themulti-application data card. Thus, it has not been possible to combine apersonal identification document such as a passport and/or driver'slicense with other related applications such as electronic ticketing fortravel such as "EZ Ticket" processes, frequent travel awards, frequentpurchase awards, credit or debit transactions, and other similartransactions or applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improvedsecurity identification documents and a method of making the improvedsecurity identification documents. The preferred embodiments of thepresent invention also provide a method of generating an improvedsecurity document such as a passport or driver's license which is in theform of the improved security identification document. These improvedsecurity identification documents are preferably used to identify aperson, a person's authorized access to certain areas, an object such asa luggage, cargo, packages, etc., travel information or access and anyother suitable information. The improved security identificationdocuments may preferably be in the form of a driver's license, passport,visa, birth certificate, security identification card, visitoridentification card, foreign worker's identification card, Green card,credit card, ATM card, welfare benefits card, national identificationcard, border access and identification card, gun registration or owneridentification card, hazardous material identification card, objectidentification card or other suitable personal or object identificationdocument. In addition, in certain preferred embodiments, the improvedsecurity identification documents may be in the form of a boarding pass,a travel authorization ticket, an object or luggage identificationticket or other suitable identification document for use with a personor an object security and verification system.

The improved security identification documents may be used in anyenvironment where identification, security or authorized ownership orpossession of restricted use materials such as guns, hazardous materialsor other objects is a concern. Such examples of these environments andobjects include restricted access to national and international borders,buildings, parks, outdoor areas and access to passenger transportsystems such as airports, public or private roads, train stations, shipembarkation and disembarkation terminals and other suitable secure areasand travel systems. This type of improved security personalidentification card may also be especially useful at events such as theOlympics or sporting events where security is a concern.

In addition, the improved security personal identification documents maybe in the form of cards and may comprise cards containing data whichshould not be accessible or capable of being written to by anunauthorized person. For example, a driver's license may preferablyinclude biometrics information and information relating to a driver'sstatus, number of accidents, speeding tickets, demerit points, etc. Thisdata is all stored on the card such that the data cannot be altered everor at least cannot be altered by an unauthorized person, such as theholder of the card. In addition, another example relates to a card forreceiving welfare benefits such as food stamps. Such a card may containbiometrics data and may also contain data concerning how much welfareassistance a card holder is entitled to, how much welfare assistance hasbeen used each month, and other suitable information. The dataconcerning the welfare assistance and related information could bestored on the card in such a manner that the data cannot be accessed byan unauthorized person such as the holder of the card. The biometricsinformation could be stored such that it cannot be alterable by anyoneas described in the following paragraphs.

As will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments ofthe improved security personal identification document, the document maycomprise data that can never be altered and data that can only bealtered by an authorized user. More specifically, the memory provided inthe improved security personal identification documents preferablyincludes memory areas which can only be written to once and if anattempt is made to alter in any way the data that has been writtenthereto once, that memory area is destroyed thereby rendering theimproved security personal identification document useless. Other memoryareas can be altered and written to more than once but only by anauthorized person which feature is implemented by using appropriate dataencryption and decryption schemes.

In addition, the preferred embodiments of the improved security personalidentification document is not limited to personal biometrics data only,but instead can be used as a multi-application data card, if desired. Insuch an embodiment, the possibility of fraud occurring in a transactioninvolving one of the applications of the multi-application card iseliminated because of the non-alterable biometrics data contained on themulti-application card.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a methodof obtaining accurately stored biometrics data for the improved securitypersonal identification document such that the biometrics data isaccurately stored in a non-alterable storage device and the same data isthen printed in alphanumeric characters on the improved securitypersonal identification document and/or stored on a storage device onthe card that is adapted to be read by conventional magnetic or opticaldata readers.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide animproved security system which uses the improved security identificationdocuments and can be applied to any type of public or private passengeror cargo identification and transport system including airports, trainstations, subways, roads, ships and other passenger transport systems.In addition, the improved security identification documents may be usedfor border control, checking authorized worker status such as a greencard, a national identification card, a welfare authorization card,credit card transactions, bank card or ATM card transactions or othersuitable uses.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide animproved airport security system including an automated personalidentification and verification security system also having an improvedluggage handling and identification system, a system and method ofmatching a person with one or more of a personal identificationdocument, an object or luggage identification document and a travelauthorization document.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, animproved security identification document includes at least oneintegrated circuit with a microprocessor, a microcontroller or othertype of central processing unit adapted to read and write data storedtherein and transmitted thereto. The improved security identificationdocument also preferably includes at least one suitable memory storagedevice for storing data written to the document and for retrieving thedata stored thereon. The memory for storing biometrics data maypreferably comprise a plurality of memory locations which can onlyrecord data a single time and prevents the stored data from ever beingaltered. The memory for storing other data such as address, height,weight, last name, etc. may be stored in a memory that is capable ofbeing altered, such as a magnetic storage medium. More specifically, thememory provided in the improved security identification document mayinclude a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), DRAM, SRAM, flashmemory or other suitable memory device.

In one preferred embodiment of the improved identification document, thedocument includes a microprocessor with memory as mentioned above and aradio frequency input/output interface device and antenna for providingthe contactless communication between the improved securityidentification document and an identification document interface device.The identification document interface device is adapted to transfer datato and from the improved security identification document in acontactless manner, wherein the term "contactless" refers tonon-galvanic contact and is in contrast with "contact" datacommunication such as magnetic data reading and writing where galvaniccontact is made via a plurality of pins and an electrical "contact" ismade during data transfer. While the radio frequency contactless datacommunication is a preferred embodiment, other suitable methods of datacommunication may also be used in combination with the contactlesscommunication for communication between the improved securityidentification document and the identification document interfacedevice.

In one preferred embodiment, the improved security identificationdocument preferably comprises several layers of a substrate materialssuch paper or plastic and has at least one integrated circuit embeddedin the layers forming the document. A contactless insert unit referredto as a laminated substrate including a central processing unitpreferably in the form of a microprocessor including memory, a datainput/output device and an antenna are provided on a suitable substrate.The substrate is then inserted and adhered preferably between two sheetsof base material which are joined together with the contactless insertunit located there between. An additional or third base sheet ofsuitable material is joined to the combined two base sheets andcontactless insert. This third base sheet preferably contains printedtext located to be accessible and readable whereas the data contained onthe contactless insert unit is not accessible or readable by humans.

A cover page is preferably attached to the third base sheet. To ensuremaximum security of the documents, the third page with printed text isstitched onto the third base sheet and the cover page using tamper-proofstitching. The contactless insert is integrated into the contactlessinsert to form an integral improved security identification document.

For particular types of identification documents, such as passports ordriver's licenses, a relatively rigid cover may be provided and joinedto the integral unit comprising the base sheets and the contactlessinsert.

The integrated circuit thus embedded in the improved securityidentification document is capable of storing personal and biometricsdata such as a still color photograph, a video image, a two or threedimensional face scan, a palm print, fingerprints, a retina scan, avoice print or other suitable data for identification of the person towhom the improved security identification document is issued.

If the improved security identification document is to be used toidentify non-personal objects, such as luggage, cargo, packages, mail,travel authorization, travel departure and arrival information, securityaccess information and other suitable or desired information, thisinformation is transferred from the document interface device using thenon-contact communication protocol discussed above.

The data stored in the integrated circuit of the improved securityidentification document preferably is encrypted using proprietary datacompression and encryption technology to make forgery or data tamperingvirtually impossible. In addition, all of the improved securityidentification documents interface with a device comprising a securitysystem to be accessed by the improved security identification documentsuse the same data compression and encryption technology so as to ensuresystem integrity and security. This system will eliminate personalidentification document forgery or tampering because the encryptedmicroprocessor stored data cannot be forged or tampered with and thedata contained in the interface devices and identification documentscannot be altered.

In a preferred embodiment, each microchip in the integrated circuit ofthe improved security identification document preferably has a read andwrite memory of suitable size and may contain thousand of transistorsfor storing and transmitting information to and from the improvedsecurity identification document.

As mentioned above, the improved security identification of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention may also comprise travelauthorization documents such as a boarding pass and object or luggageidentification documents. Each of these documents may be generatedaccording to the method of making the improved security document of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention. Each of these documentsmay preferably include a contactless insert unit as described abovewhich is embedded in the layers of the document. The boarding pass orluggage ticket forming one preferred embodiment of the improved securityidentification document preferably includes biometrics data such as afacial image, a palm scan, fingerprint, retina scan, voice pattern etc.which is recorded onto the improved security identification document asthe biometrics data is being input to a biometrics data input devicewhich is preferably connected to the improved security identificationdocument interface device. The data stored on the boarding pass orluggage identification ticket also can be used in conjunction with andcompared to the data stored on the improved security personalidentification card or pass described above to match and verify apassenger with the passenger's security documents including a boardingpass and luggage identification ticket.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making improved security personal identification documentincludes making a document with an integrated circuit which ispreferably based on smart card technology. The integrated circuitpreferably has components which use radio frequency transmission andreception communication protocols to form a contactless smart documentor close-coupling contactless smart card.

In another preferred embodiment, an improved security system which usesthe improved security identification documents described above, isprovided. The improved security system may comprise an improved securityidentification document generator for generating new securityidentification documents. Alternatively, the improved securityidentification documents may have been generated previously according tothe method described above and the improved security identificationdocuments are supplied with data as described below.

The security system also preferably includes at least one securityidentification document interface device for transmitting data to andreceiving data from existing security identification documents; abiometrics data input device connected to the security documentinterface device for inputting biometrics data to the security documentinterface device; wherein the security identification document interfacedevice includes a comparison device for comparing data input from animproved security identification document and data input from thebiometrics data input device for verifying identity of a person; and theinterface device includes an indicator for indicating the result of thecomparison device comparing the input biometrics data and the data readfrom the identification document.

The operation of a preferred embodiment of an improved security systemis as follows. An improved security identification document of a personor object attempting to gain access to a secured area such as a border,an airport boarding gate or a secured building interfaces with theimproved security identification document interface device so that theinformation stored on the improved security identification document isaccessible At the same time, biometrics data from the person is input orscanned by a suitable biometrics recording device such as a camera forscanning a face, retina, ear, etc. or a palm or finger print scannerdescribed above or any other suitable biometrics data input device.Then, the comparison device in the interface device compares all of theinput data and transmits signals to an indicator to send a message orother signal for indicating whether the biometrics data input by theperson via the biometrics data input device matches the data stored onthe improved security identification document.

The improved security identification document interface devicepreferably comprises at least one computer with appropriate software andhardware for performing the functions described above. As mentionedpreviously, the data transferred to and from the computer to theimproved security identification documents is preferably encrypted toprovide maximum security.

In a preferred embodiment, the improved security system includes aplurality of improved security identification document interface devicesand biometrics data input devices which each use a single proprietary,secret data encryption scheme to prevent tampering with the system data.In another preferred embodiment, the improved security system maypreferably be an improved airport security system including an automatedpersonal identification and verification security system including animproved security document generating system, an improved luggagehandling and identification system, a system and method of matching aperson with one or more of (1) a personal identification document, (2)personal object or luggage identification document and (3) a travelauthorization document such as a boarding pass.

The method of checking and verifying personal and object identificationand maintaining security using the improved airport security systemaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is asfollows. A passenger arrives at the ticket counter and presents a ticketagent with an airline ticket and an improved security personalidentification document such as a passport or driver's license having anembedded integrated circuit with encrypted biometrics data, such as adigitized facial image such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensionalimage; a palm print, finger print, retina scan voice print or othersuitable biometrics data, stored therein for identifying the passenger.Before issuing a boarding pass or checking luggage, the ticket agent mayfirst verify the identity of the passenger by making sure that thebiometrics information stored on the improved security identificationdocument matches that of the passenger. Accordingly, the ticket agentasks the passenger to interface with the suitable biometrics data inputdevice, such as a facial capture device, a palm scanner, fingerprintscanner, retina scanner, voice pattern processor scanner or othersuitable biometrics data input device. Using the biometrics data inputdevice and the identification document interface device, the ticketagent checks to see if the biometrics information stored on the improvedsecurity identification document matches biometrics information input bythe passenger to the biometrics data input device.

If there is no match of biometrics data, no boarding pass is issued andno luggage is checked. If there is a match of biometrics data, theboarding pass and luggage identification document are generated andissued after the ticket agent matches the flight reservation informationcontained on the ticket presented by the passenger with flightreservation information contained either in the identification documentinterface device or in a connected flight information computer. Theboarding pass and luggage identification documents are preferablygenerated according to the method of making an improved securityidentification document described above and or by simply using apre-formed improved security identification document and transmittingdata to the microprocessor or the designated memory area of theintegrated circuit embedded in the document for storing biometrics andother data thereon.

The biometrics data input by the passenger to the biometrics data inputdevice at the ticket agent counter at the airport is preferablytransferred to the document interface device and then stored onto boththe boarding pass and luggage identification document in addition to theother flight departure and arrival information customarily contained onthe boarding pass and luggage identification document, and any othersuitable information such as country of citizenship, address, socialsecurity number, and other identifying information.

The boarding pass is given to the passenger and the luggageidentification ticket is attached to the luggage which is then sent to acargo area of an airplane to be boarded by the passenger. A luggageidentification document may also be given to the passenger for lateridentification and verification of a match between luggage and thepassenger at the arrival airport.

After receiving a boarding pass and checking luggage, the passengerproceeds to a boarding area. Before entering the boarding area, thepassenger is preferably asked to pass through a security checkpointwhich includes a biometrics data input device and an improved securityidentification document interface device. At the security checkpoint,the passenger is requested to interact with the biometrics data inputdevice while also inserting the boarding pass into the improved securityidentification document interface device. The document interface devicechecks for a match between the input biometrics data and the biometricsdata stored on the boarding pass.

If there is no match, the passenger is not allowed into the boardingarea and the interface device sends a signal to the luggage handlingsystem to remove the luggage from the luggage handling system and not toallow the luggage to be loaded onto the airplane. If there is a match,the passenger proceeds to the boarding gate and luggage is loaded ontothe cargo area of the airplane.

At the boarding gate, the passenger may be again requested to pass asecurity checkpoint including a biometrics data input device andimproved security identification document interface device to be surethat the passenger boards the plane and also to confirm that theboarding pass biometrics data still matches the biometrics data input bythe passenger. This will also ensure that all passengers who checked inat the ticket counter to receive a boarding pass and those checked in atthe boarding gate have boarded the plane.

If the passenger does not successfully pass the security checkpoint atthe gate, the interface device sends a signal to the luggage handlingsystem to remove the luggage from the luggage handling system and toprevent the luggage from being loaded onto the airplane. Also, theinterface device readily identifies the passenger or passengers who havenot boarded the airplane.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is notnecessary to give the passenger a luggage identification ticket becausethe match between the luggage and the passenger is done using animproved security identification document interface device at theluggage claim area of the arrival airport. More specifically, thepassenger can retrieve their checked luggage by simply interacting witha biometrics data input device which is connected to the luggagehandling system. When the biometrics data is transmitted from thebiometrics data input device to the luggage handling system, this datais matched with biometrics data contained on the luggage ticket on theluggage and the luggage handling system transfers the passenger'sluggage to the exact location of the particular biometrics data inputdevice where passenger input biometrics data.

Also, before leaving the luggage claim area, the passenger may bepreferably required to interface with a biometrics data input devicesuch as a facial image capture device, a palm scanner which also readsthe biometrics data from the luggage identification document adhered tothe luggage to confirm that the biometrics data matches and thepassenger is the proper owner of the luggage. This avoids the problemswith theft of luggage at the arrival airport.

As a result of the use of biometrics data input devices and improvedsecurity document interface devices of the system according to thispreferred embodiment, the checked luggage arriving at the arrivalairport could be placed on one universal conveyor without having toselectively distribute luggage to a certain luggage claim area orconveyor. When a passenger arrives at the luggage claim area, thepassenger merely has to interface with a biometrics data input devicewhich enters the data into a computer system controlling the luggagehandling system. The computer system interacts with the luggage handlingconveyor which includes at least one interface device for reading theluggage identification document as the luggage is moved on the conveyor.

The interface device of the luggage handling system preferably includesan improved security identification document interface device asdescribed above. The interface device of the luggage handling systempreferably uses radio frequency communication protocols similar to thoseused in the improved security identification document interface devicesdescribed above so as to detect radio frequencies in a 360 degree rangethereby eliminating misreads as is so common with conventional characterrecognition devices. The use of the improved security luggageidentification document and the interface device allows for rapid twoway radio communication between the luggage handling system and theluggage. The improved security luggage identification document answersto a radio frequency signal sent out by the luggage system interfacedevice by emitting its own radio message which includes luggageidentification and other information such as flight detail and luggagedestination.

Unlike known optical bar code readers commonly used which require clearline of sight with the luggage tag, the present system provides a readyand infallible means of identifying the owner and destination of thebaggage. Also, unlike bar code technology, the radio frequencyidentification documents have been known to be capable of operating attwo and one half times conventional optical scanning speeds providingmuch faster automated baggage handling.

The interface device of the luggage handling system inputs the data readfrom the luggage identification document into the computer system. Theconveyor is preferably in the form of an endless loop with severaltributary conveyors as used in airport baggage handling systems. Oncethe passenger interfaces with the biometrics data input device, thecomputer system sends a signal to the conveyor device to instruct theconveyor to distribute the luggage matching the biometrics data input bythe passenger to the particular luggage claim area or conveyor where thepassenger is located.

While most of the security systems of the prior art are used exclusivelyin airports throughout the world, the security system of the preferredembodiments of the present invention is not so limited. That is, thesecurity system and preferred improved security documents may be used inone or more of airports, railroad stations, bus stations, mass transitstations and any other travel related system. Also, the improvedsecurity identification documents can be used by immigration officialsto more reliably track the entry and exit of people to a specificcountry or region.

There are many other benefits, advantages and other uses which arepossible with the improved security identification document and securitysystem. The most significant advantage is the improved security andprevention of tampering and forgery of identification documents tocombat terrorism, fraud, forgeries found in most document based securitysystems. The present system and method also provide greatly increasedsecurity and reliability without added delay and inconvenience.

In addition, with the features of the preferred embodiments mentionedabove, it is possible to quickly and securely verify a passenger'sidentity and match the passenger's identity with other identificationdocuments such as passport, driver's license, boarding pass and luggageidentification documents. It is also possible to remove un-reconciledluggage from an airplane or secured area, reconcile a flight log, ensureall passengers have boarded or exited an airplane, prevent theft ofluggage, expedite claiming of checked luggage, identify passengersand/or luggage which has not boarded or exited an airplane, providefully automated baggage handling thereby eliminating lost and mis-routedbaggage, enable rapid spot check identification of passengers at transitstops and secure baggage retrieval at destinations. Use of the improvedsecurity luggage identification documents also ensures that only thebaggage for those passengers who have been identified at the departuregate are allowed to remain in the aircraft or board the aircraft beforetakeoff. In addition, the system and method of the preferred embodimentsof the present invention eliminate considerable problems associated withpassengers who have checked in baggage but do not arrive at gate orboard plane. Furthermore, storage and location of each item of luggageis automatically and immediately identifiable.

These and other elements, features, and advantages of the preferredembodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an improved security documentaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first step in a method of makingan improved security identification document according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second step of the method ofmaking an improved security identification document according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a third step of the method of making animproved security identification document according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fourth step of the method of making animproved security identification document according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6a is a schematic view of a final step of the improved securityidentification document according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the improved security identification documentin a book form;

FIG. 6b is a schematic view of a final step of the improved securityidentification document according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the improved security identification documentin a card form.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an improved security system utilizing thepreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an improved airport security systemutilizing the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numerals indicate like elements to avoid repetitivedescription. FIG. 1 shows an improved security identification document10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thedocument 10 preferably includes a substrate 12 which may preferablycomprise two or more layers of a suitable substrate material such aspaper, plastic, polymers or other known materials. Embedded within thesubstrate 12 is an integrated circuit IC including a microcontroller 14such as a known microprocessor, central processing unit or othersuitable device disposed thereon. As is well known, the microprocessor14 includes memory and is programmable and capable of receiving,storing, retrieving and transmitting data.

The memory included in the microprocessor 14 may include FRAM memory orother suitable memory such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory or other suitablememory devices.

A specially designed metal ring 15, preferably made of SUS 304 stainlesssteel, is located on the substrate 12 to provide mechanical strength tothe document 10 for protecting the integrated circuit.

The document 10 also includes an input/output interface device (I/Odevice) 16 preferably in the form of a known radio frequency interfaceinput/output chip including suitable signal processing electroniccomponents and circuitry. The I/O device 16 is connected to themicrocontroller 14 so as to receive and transmit signals to and from themicrocontroller.

Also disposed in the substrate 12 is an antenna 18 preferably in theform of an etched coil, air wound coil or other like coils. The antenna18 is disposed in the substrate 12 such that the I/O device 16 connectsthe antenna 18 to the microprocessor 14.

The microprocessor 14 and I/O device 16 of the integrated circuit arepreferably in the form of electronic component chips, such as well knownsilicon chips which are capable of receiving, storing and transferringdata using known contactless communication protocols such as radiofrequency transmission and reception communication protocols.

As will be described in the following paragraphs, the antenna 18receives electrical signals preferably in the form of radio waves froman improved security identification document interface device to bedescribed later. The signals are received from a primary coil in theimproved security identification document interface device by theantenna 18 in a contactless manner, i.e. there is no galvanic contact,between the primary coil and the antenna 18. Upon receiving the signals,the antenna 18 is energized and then transmits the received signals tothe I/O device 16. The I/O device 16, at different time intervals,converts the input radio frequency signals into five different signals:Ground, V_(cc), Reset, Clock and Serial Input/Output to be transmittedto the microprocessor 14 as is known in contactless communicationprotocols.

The document 10 is normally in a sleep mode in which the components 14,16 are not powered up. After receiving an input signal and being poweredup, the microcontroller 14 is ready to receive and transmit data. Thus,it is not necessary for the improved security identification document 10to have an internal power source. Instead, the power required foroperating the electronic components embedded on the document 10 isreceived from the improved security identification document interfacedevice to be described later.

Before the document 10 allows data to be stored therein or data storedin the document 10 to be retrieved or read, the I/O device 16, usingsuitable programming and/or electronic components first determineswhether an authorized improved security identification documentinterface device has transmitted signals to the antenna 18 and whethersuch interface device is authorized to read or write data. In addition,the I/O device 16 can determine whether the data being transmitted bythe interface device to the document 10 is properly encrypted using theproprietary and secret encryption scheme before allowing data to betransmitted to or from the microprocessor 14.

If the data transfer is authorized by the I/O device 16, data is thenreceived from the document interface device by frequency and amplitudemodulation performed by the I/O device 16 using known discreteelectronic components and signal processing methods. The microcontroller14 is programmed such that if no signals are received for predeterminedperiod of time, the microcontroller 14 is deactivated and re-enters thesleep mode.

More details are shown in FIGS. 2-6 which describe a method of making animproved security identification document according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor 14, I/O device16 and antenna 18 mounted on the substrate 12 are incorporated orembedded into a document or card to form an improved securityidentification document. The method according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention first involves the step of making a contactlesscommunication document 10 which comprises the microprocessor 14, I/Odevice 16 and antenna 18 mounted on the substrate 12 which can belaminated using polyester or similar base material to form a contactlessinsert unit 20. On the contactless insert unit 20, an amine-based epoxy,such as the known adhesive DP125, is preferably applied over the ICregion. Upon being fully cured, this amine-based epoxy acts as a cushionlayer, thus providing additional protection to the IC.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the contactless communication insert unit 20is inserted between two layers 22 and 24. Each of the layers 22, 24 maypreferably comprise of a sheet of paper, plastic or other suitable basematerial for document.

The layers 22 and 24 are joined onto the contactless communicationinsert unit 20 preferably using adhesive such as the known adhesiveDP640 or other suitable joining material. The adhesive is preferablycoated onto the top and bottom surfaces of the unit 20 and then thelayers 22 and 24 are joined to the respective top and bottom surfaces ofthe unit 20.

FIG. 3 shows the second sequential step of the method of making animproved security identification document 10 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. A third layer 26 is preferablyjoined to the integral assembly of the unit 20 and layers 22, 24 formedby the method step shown in FIG. 2. The third layer 26 may alsopreferably comprise a sheet of paper or other suitable substratematerial, and is preferably attached to the layer 24 using an adhesivesuch as a water based adhesive or other suitable joining material. Layer26 may contain preferably alphanumeric data or text 40 which includespersonal information such as name, address, birth date, country ofcitizenship, passport number, social security number and any othersuitable information, visible to human eyes.

As seen in FIG. 4, it is also preferable to have a protective coversheet 50 stick to layer 26 preferably using a water based adhesive orother suitable adhesive. The protective cover sheet 50 can be a laminatesheet or other suitable protective cover layer.

In addition, if the document 10 is to be used as a permanent securitydocument such as a personal identification document, for example, apassport or driver's license, the integral assembly including the layers22, 24, the contactless communication insert unit 20, and the layer 26including text 40 may be stitched to the cover 50 as shown in FIG. 5.This is similar to making a document such as a passport book as shown inFIG. 6a or a relatively hard substrate or cover such as that used for adriver's license or similar identification card as illustrated in FIG.6b.

The completed improved security identification document 10 as shown inFIG. 6 including the embedded contactless communication insert unit 20provides for more secure and reliable identification and securitybecause the data stored in the document 10 can only be accessed by anapproved and authorized interface device and therefore, cannot bealtered or tampered with. In addition, the data stored on the document10 is preferably encrypted and compressed using secret and proprietarydata encryption and compression schemes to provide additional security.Thus, the document 10 contains the conventional security features suchas visible but tamper-proof identification data, as well as, novel andincreased security features provided by the tamper-proof, embeddedintegrated circuit including the microprocessor 14, I/O device andantenna 18.

FIG. 7 shows an improved security system 60 which preferably uses theimproved security identification document 10 as described in FIGS. 1-6.The system 60 includes an improved security identification documentinterface unit 62 which preferably includes a computer system 64 anduser interface unit 66 connected to the computer system 64. The computersystem 64 preferably comprises one or more known personal computersincluding a central processing unit, a storage unit, an operationsystem, a display unit, an input/output interface, a known communicationhardware/software including fax modem and Internet access capabilities.The user interface unit 66 preferably comprises a primary coil 68 and asuitable I/O device 70 which may comprise known electronic hardware andsoftware for performing known signal processing functions forcontactless radio frequency communication. In addition, the I/O device70 preferably includes appropriate programmable components and softwarefor transmitting and reading received data using the system-wideproprietary, secret encryption and compression schemes.

When an improved security identification document is to be read orwritten on by the interface unit 66, the document 10 is brought intoclose proximity with the interface unit 66. Consequently, both devices10 and 66 interact in a manner similar to a loosely coupled transformer.That is, the interface unit 66, sensing the presence of the document 10,transmits radio waves (RW) via the I/O device 70 and primary coil 68 toenergize the coil or antenna 18.

The interface unit 66 is connected to and controlled by a suitableapplication software program stored in the computer system 64. Theparticular application software program can be programmed by one ofordinary skill in the programming art to perform the desired functionsof the computer system 64 described herein.

When the computer system 64 expects to read data from the document 10,the system 64 transmits a signal to the document 10. The document 10 isthen woken by the signal and is changed from being in a sleep mode to anactive mode as described above. When the document 10 receives the signalcall from the interface unit 66, the document 10 preferably transmits anacknowledging signal to the interface unit 66 after ensuring that theinterface unit 66 is authorized to read and write data from and to thedocument 10 using the secret, proprietary data encryption scheme.

Data exchange between the document 10 and the interface unit 66 thusoccurs, transmitting the necessary data to and from the document 10. Theencrypted security data is then stored in the memory of themicrocontroller 14 in the document 10. At the end of the data exchange,the interface unit 66 transmits a final signal to the document 10 toinform the document to return to the sleep mode.

The improved security system 60 also preferably includes at least onebiometrics data input device 72 for receiving biometrics identifyingdata from a person. The biometrics data input device 72 may preferablycomprise a known palm scanning/reading, facial image device for scanninga human palm or face, making an image of the palm or face and convertingthis image to data which can be processed and stored. Alternatively, thebiometrics data input device 72 may also comprise one or more of thefollowing known devices: facial image capture device, fingerprintscanner/reader, voice pattern processor, retina scanner or other knownbiometrics scanning and reading devices. The biometrics data inputdevice 72 is attached to the computer system 64 for transferring thebiometrics data input to the device 72 to the computer system 64.

The computer system 64 contains appropriate application softwareprograms and memory for storing and processing data for maintainingsecurity and verifying security identification documents. Morespecifically, the computer system 64 performs a matching function forcomparing biometrics data and other data received from themicroprocessor 14 of the improved security identification document 10with biometrics data input via the biometrics data input device 72. Ifthe result of the comparison is no match of biometrics data, thecomputer system 64 generates a suitable indication or warning via theincluded display unit. If a match is found, the computer system 64 mayalso generate a suitable indication such as one or more audio or visualindications.

The computer system 64 may preferably be programmed to interact with thedocument 10 and the biometrics data input device 72 according to systemrequirements. For example, if the security system 60 is to be used forenforcing restricted access to a secured area, the computer system 64may be programmed to check authorized personnel access data stored inthe microprocessor 14 of the document 10 while confirming that thepresenter of the improved security identification document 10 has notforged or tampered with the document 10 to gain unauthorized access tothe secured area by comparing the biometrics data stored on the document10 with biometrics data input to the computer system 64 via thebiometrics data input device 72.

The application of the security system to an improved airport securitysystem will be described in the following paragraphs.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of animproved airport security system 100 is shown in FIG. 8. The improvedairport security system 100 preferably makes use of the improvedsecurity identification documents 12 described in FIGS. 1-6 and theelements 64-72 of the security system shown in FIG. 7.

The improved airport security system 100 includes a departure area 110and an arriving area 180. Within the departure area 110, the first pointof contact for a passenger is a check-in counter 112. It should be notedthat the passenger may first be required to pass through an X-raymachine and/or a metal detector as is conventional for detectingforbidden weapons and items in the luggage or on a person. This is notshown as it is a conventional security measure which may be included inthe security system 100.

At the check-in counter 112, the passenger presents to a ticket agent aticket for authorized travel on a particular airline and an improvedsecurity identification document 10 such as a passport or a driver'slicense which is similar to the document 12 described in FIGS. 1-6. Thepassenger may also have luggage to be checked and loaded onto a cargoarea of an airplane and carry-on luggage to be carried onto the plane bythe passenger.

Located at the check-in counter 112 is an improved securityidentification document interface unit 62 including a computer system 64and interface unit 66 and a biometrics data input device 72 as describedwith reference to FIG. 7. The check-in counter also includes a boardingpass generator 114 and a luggage identification document generator 116.The boarding pass generator 114 and the luggage identification documentgenerator 116 are connected to the computer system 64 of the interfaceunit 62. The boarding pass generator 114 and luggage identificationdocument generator 116 preferably include a known device for printingalphanumeric data such as flight information, departure airport, arrivalairport, passenger name and other suitable information on a substrate.The substrate upon which this data is printed may preferably be thedocument 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The computer system 64 of the interface unit 62 preferably includes allairline, flight and passenger information or is connected to anothercomputer located elsewhere within the airport to retrieve this data.

Once the passenger presents a valid airline ticket, the ticket agentchecks with the computer system 64 to be sure that the flightinformation and reservation are valid. Then, the passenger is requestedto interface with the biometrics data input device 72 by, for example,facing a camera for facial capture, placing a palm or fingertips onto anappropriate biometrics scanning devices or other suitable biometricscapture devices. The passenger is also requested to provide an improvedsecurity identification document 10 which is then brought into proximityof the interface unit 66. As described with reference to FIG. 7 , thebiometrics data is input to the computer system 64 via the biometricsdata input device 72 and compared with the biometrics data read from thedocument 10. If there is no match, a boarding pass is not issued and thepassenger is refused entry until the problem or lack of a match can becleared up.

If there is a match of biometrics data, a boarding pass is issued by theboarding pass generator 114. The boarding pass generator 114 generates aboarding pass in the form of an improved security identificationdocument 10 including an integrated circuit IC containing the components14, 16 and 18. The biometrics data input via the biometrics data inputdevice 72 is transferred via the computer system 64 to themicroprocessor 14 embedded in the document 10. Additional data such asdata read from the personal identification document 10, i.e. passport,and other data such as flight and airline data may be included in thedata transferred and stored in the microprocessor 14 of the boardingpass. The boarding pass, a version of improved security document is thengiven to the passenger.

If a passenger has luggage to be checked and loaded onto an airplane,the ticket agent accepts the luggage and issues a luggage identificationdocument which is preferably in the form of an improved securityidentification document 10 described in FIGS. 1-6. The luggageidentification document is generated by the luggage identificationdocument generator 116 in a manner similar to the generating of theboarding pass by the boarding pass generator 114 as described above.

The biometrics data input via the biometrics data input device 72 to thecomputer system 64 is transferred to the microprocessor 14 or thedesignated memory area of the IC, embedded in the luggage identificationdocument. Additional data such as data read from the personalidentification document 10, i.e. passport, and other data such as flightand airline data may be included in the data transferred and stored inthe microprocessor 14 or the designated memory area of the IC, of theluggage identification document. The luggage identification document isthen adhered to or connected to the luggage and the luggage is sent to aluggage handling system 120.

After receiving a boarding pass, the passenger proceeds to theappropriate gate security unit 150 which may be located at the boardinggate or may be located at the entrance to the airplane. Alternatively,two gate security units 150 may be provided, one at the entrance to theboarding area and another at the entrance to the airplane.

The gate security unit 150 preferably includes an interface unit 62 forreading the boarding pass in the form of an improved securityidentification document 10 and a biometrics data input device 72. Beforeallowing the passenger to enter the boarding area or the airplane, thepassenger is requested to interact with the biometrics data input device72 and present the boarding pass. The biometrics data contained on theboarding pass is read by the interface unit 62 and the biometrics datafrom the input device 72 is input to the computer system 64. Thecomputer system 64 then compares the biometrics data and issues anindication as to whether the biometrics matches or not. If there is nomatch, the passenger is not allowed to enter the boarding area or theairplane. In addition, the computer system 64 sends a signal to acomputer system 64 connected to the luggage handling system 120 toindicate that the luggage of the unmatched or un-reconciled passengershould be removed from the luggage handling system 120 to a secure,fortified area until the problem can be rectified.

If increased security is required, the passenger may be required to alsopresent the personal identification document 10 such as a passport ordriver's license so that the biometrics data contained on the personalidentification document 10 can be matched with the biometrics datastored on the boarding pass and the biometrics data input by thepassenger to the input device 72.

If there is a match of biometrics data at the gate security unit 150,the passenger is allowed to board the airplane. The computer system 64at the gate security unit 150 includes appropriate software andinteracts with the flight and passenger data to maintain a continuousaccount of all passengers who have boarded the airplane and those whohave not. Thus, the computer system 64 at the gate security unit caneasily identify those passengers who have received a boarding pass andhave not yet boarded the airplane or entered the boarding gate area.

While the passenger is traveling to the boarding gate area, thepassenger-checked luggage is transferred to the luggage handling system120. The luggage handling system includes a conveyor system 122 and oneor more luggage identification document reading devices 124. The luggageidentification document reading device 124 preferably comprises aninterface unit 62 including the improved security identificationdocument interface device 66 and computer system 64.

As the luggage containing the improved security luggage identificationdocuments 10 are moved along the conveyor system 122 past the readingdevice 124, the reading device 124 of the luggage handling system 120preferably uses radio frequency communication protocols similar to thoseused in the improved security identification document interface devicesdescribed above so as to detect radio frequencies in a 360 degreedimension thereby eliminating misreads as is so common with conventionalcharacter recognition devices. The reading devices 124 using thecontactless radio frequency data communication allows for rapid two wayradio communication between the luggage handling system and the improvedsecurity luggage identification documents contained on the luggage. Morespecifically, as the luggage passes the reading devices 124, the readingdevices 124 transmit radio frequency signals to the improved securityluggage identification documents contained on the luggage. Then, theluggage identification documents 10 emit their own radio messages whichinclude luggage identification and other information such as luggagedestination as is described with reference to the operation of thesystem shown in FIG. 7.

The reading devices 124 input the data read from the luggageidentification documents into the computer system 64 of the luggagehandling system 120. The computer system 64 of the luggage handlingsystem 120 is preferably connected to the computer system 64 at the gatesecurity unit 150 and possibly the computer system 64 at the check-incounter 112. This allows the automated luggage handling system 120 toreceive a signal from either computer system 64 at the gate securityunit 150 or check-in counter 112 instructing the luggage handling system120 to reject a particular piece of luggage if there is a mismatch ofbiometrics data at the gate security unit 150.

After the luggage is transported along the luggage conveyor system 122from the check-in counter 112 to a luggage routing system 126 whichpreferably includes a routing loop conveyor 128 and another luggageidentification document reading device 130. The luggage preferably movesalong the routing loop conveyor 128 until the luggage identificationdocument reading device 130 signals that the luggage should be moved tothe airplane for loading into the cargo area thereof or until theluggage identification document reading device 130 indicates that theluggage should be moved to a secured, fortified area 140 for rejectedluggage.

Instead of using a routing loop conveyor 128, a luggage holding area mayalso be used wherein not-yet-reconciled luggage is held until thepassenger successfully passes through the gate security unit 150 andboards the airplane. Such a luggage holding area would also preferablyinclude one or more luggage identification document reading devices foridentifying luggage which has been reconciled and should be sent to theairplane for loading.

The area 140 for rejected luggage may also include a luggageidentification document reading device 142 which can locate and identifyan item of luggage which was previously un-reconciled and now has beenreconciled, so as to retrieve previously un-reconciled luggage and sendthe now reconciled luggage to the airplane for loading.

At the arriving area 180, there is preferably a gate security unit 150located at the arrival gate. This gate arrival unit may preferablyinclude a biometrics data input device 72 and computer system 64 whichmay be connected to the computer system 64 of the departure gatesecurity unit 150 or able to read data from the departure gate securityunit 150 stored on a disk or other storage medium. As passengers leavethe airplane and pass through the gate security unit 150, they arepreferably requested to interact with the biometrics data input device72 which transfers the biometrics data to the computer system 64. Inthis way, it can be determined if all of the arriving passengers haveexited the airplane and it can also be used to record entry into aparticular country.

The arriving area 180 also preferably includes a luggage retrievalsystem 190 which includes a biometrics data input device 72 and computersystem 64 which is connected to a computer system 64 contained in aluggage handling system 200. The luggage handling system 200 alsoincludes an improved security luggage identification document readingdevice 124 which is also connected to the computer system 64 of theluggage handling system.

When a passenger arrives at the luggage retrieval system 190 to retrieveluggage, the passenger interacts with the biometrics data input device72. The biometrics data input device 72 inputs biometrics data from thepassenger and transmits this data via the computer system 64 of theluggage retrieval system 180 to the computer system 64 contained in theluggage handling system 200. The computer system 64 contained in theluggage handling system then sends a signal to the improved securityluggage identification document reading device 124 for identifying theparticular item of luggage and then sending that particular item ofluggage via a conveyor system 202 of the luggage handling system to thepassenger.

Before a passenger is allowed to leave the luggage retrieval area, thepassenger may be required to pass through another security unit 210which preferably includes a biometrics data input device 72, an improvedsecurity identification document interface device 62 including acomputer system 64 and an interface unit 62. The computer system 64compares the biometrics data input by the passenger via the input device72 with the biometrics data read by the interface unit 62 from theimproved security luggage identification document contained on theluggage. If a match occurs, the passenger and claimed luggage ispermitted to leave the luggage retrieval area. If there is no match, thepassenger and luggage are detained until the error can be corrected.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making an identification documentcomprising the steps of:forming a contactless communication insert unitby electrically connecting an integrated circuit including amicroprocessor, a controller, a memory unit, a radio frequencyinput/output device and an antenna, and disposing a metal ring tosurround the integrated circuit; disposing the contactless communicationinsert unit on a substrate and laminating it to form a laminatedsubstrate; supplying a first sheet of base material; supplying a secondsheet of base material; disposing the second sheet of base material ontop of the first sheet of base material and inserting the laminatedsubstrate including the contactless communication insert unit betweenthe first and second sheets of base material; and joining a third sheetof base material to the first and second sheets of base material havingthe laminated substrate disposed therebetween, the third sheet of basematerial containing printed text data located so as to be readable byhumans.
 2. A method of making an identification document according toclaim 1, further comprising the step of attaching a cover page to thethird sheet of base material.
 3. A method of making an identificationdocument according to claim 2, wherein the third sheet of base materialcontaining the printed text data is joined to the cover page and thesecond sheet of base material via tamper-proof stitching.
 4. A method ofmaking a security document according to claim 1, further comprising thestep of supplying a cover comprising a relatively rigid materialcompared to the first, second and third sheets of base material andjoining the cover to the first, second and third sheets of base materialfor supporting the integrated circuit.
 5. A method of making aidentification document according to claim 1, wherein the memory unitincludes memory for storing biometrics data and memory for storingnon-biometrics data, the memory for storing biometrics data including aplurality of memory locations which can only be written to once andprevent the stored data from ever being altered, the memory for storingnon-biometrics data including memory locations which are capable ofbeing altered.
 6. A method of making an identification documentaccording to claim 5, wherein the biometrics data includes at least oneof a still photograph, moving video images, a palm print, fingerprints,a retina scan, a voice print, a two-dimensional facial image and athree-dimensional facial image.
 7. A method of making a securitydocument according to claim 6, wherein data stored in the memory unit isencrypted.